Phuket sailor plans world record attempt

Yassine Darkaoui, originally from Morocco but resident in Phuket for around 18 months, decided to attempt the impressive task as a way to show that 'it is possible to make your dreams a reality'. Yassine was a drug addict for more than eight years, but has been ‘clean’ and medication free for the last two. He now says he’s a 'dinghy addict' instead, and sails on the water whenever he can.'The main purpose of this is to show people it is possible to take control of their life again. It is possible to change the direction of your life and make your dreams a reality. 'I love sailing, and this is a challenge for me. I’m not just going to try, I will do this. But of course, the sea has its challenges.'

Yassine has been sailing boats for the last 22 years, including the Laser for around two decades. He was in the Moroccan national Laser team, and now sails regularly in Phuket. He plans to leave Nai Yang Beach for the Similans in his Laser, on loan from the Royal Thai Navy, before sailing to Koh Tarutao, close to the Malaysian island of Langkwai, and then returning to Ao Yon – a total distance of 370 nautical miles.

While the previous record is around 300 nautical miles, Yassine will aim for 370 for logistical reasons.